Rocky and Pete

Rocky and Pete Friday -- 5:35 PM 1/9/2009

These two nice dogs are back, for about a week this time.

They were happy to rush in and join the resident dogs. They spent the first half hour in the yard, playing and exploring.

Petey's as overweight as ever, maybe even a little more. He seems to feel fine, though.

Rocky vomited a little soon after he arrived, and again after dinner (which he didn't eat). He seems to feel fine, just not hungry. I had a bowl of soup and he really wanted to lick my dish clean, which I allowed. So it's not a total lack of appetite, he's just not hungry for his dogfood. I'll give him another chance at his dogfood later, and if that doesn't work I'll try something even yummier.

I wonder if Pete's so fat because Rocky leaves all the dogfood for him. Hmm, that could be.

Saturday -- 6:15 PM 1/10/2009

Last night I gave Rocky another chance at hs dogfood and he said no thanks. So I put a little of my leftover soup in with the dogfood and he gobbled it up. So it isn't a problem with his appetite, just that he's tired of that dogfood. No problem, I have lots of soup.

In the morning and evening today I put a little soup in with his dogfood and he thought it was wonderful.

Their mom brought along a bed that Rocky's said to love. So far he hasn't used it. He has his favorite spot on the couch, and another favorite place on the comforter in my bedroom. And of course when it's sunny he loves to lie against the south wall soaking up the warmth.

I've been leaving all the dogs locked in the pen some of the time, since the gardeners didn't show up yesterday or today. If they come and the gate is locked they leave. So I have to be alert enough to lock up the dogs and unlock the gate for them. Or I have to leave it unlocked. They took a vacation and said they'd be back this week. I hope they come back. They've been mowing my yard for ten years at least. I don't think I could figure out how to do it without them.

Monday -- 12:00 PM 1/12/2009

The gardeners never did show up. I'm gonna just forget about them for now, and wait to see if they ever come back. Fortunately the grass grows really slowly this time of year.

Rocky's been eating all his dogfood, and even licking his dish afterwards. Both dogs are healthy and happy.

Wednesday -- 5:55 PM 1/14/2009

Not much happening. Rocky still eats his food as soon as I add something yummy to it. Pete of course eats his regular dogfood.

Quarterdeck will be visiting us for a very short time, starting tomorrow morning. That's fine they all like each other.

Still no sign of the gardeners.

Friday -- 8:02 AM 1/16/2009

They had a good time playing with QD yesterday. He went home last night.

These dogs are so good about telling time, but they don't understand about the days getting longer and shorter. Last month as the days got shorter they were concerned that I was forgetting to give them their dinner. NOw that the days have started getting longer they think I'm forgetting their breakfast. When I give them their dinner they are surprised.

I guess they'll be going home soon.

6:43 PM 1/16/2009

The dogs barked and barked, so I went to see what the problem was. It was the gardeners, only one week late. So I locked the dogs all in and unlocked the gate.

That's a relief. I really didn't want to have to find a new gardener.

1/18/2009

They went home yesterday. Just think, three days with no visiting dogs.

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A recent visit:
Thursday -- 5:44 PM 12/18/2008

Here they are again. They are the first arrivals of this year's Christmas gang.

It's been so cold the past few days I was in the bedroom with the heater and the TV on. It had gotten dark before I noticed and the house looked dark and empty. I think their people thought nobody was home.

Petey has gained a few more pounds. Rocky may have gained a little too, but on him it's good.

Beau was delighted to have Pete here to play with. Rocky stayed out in the yard exploring for quite a while.

Saturday -- 8:12 AM 12/20/2008

Nothing interesting to report. Everyone's healthy and happy. It's been cold but we're dealing with it.

Monday -- 4:06 PM 12/22/2008

The boys are fine.

Beau has a sore on his undercarriage that may need surgery in a couple of days. He's wearing one of those hateful cone collars so he can't mess with it. All the other dogs are doing a good job of leaving him alone.

Tomorrow the next holiday dog is coming, and the day after that one or two more will arrive.

It's been raining off and on during this visit, and even when it isn't raining it's COLD. At least I have lots of dogs to keep me warm.

Thursday -- 8:55 AM 12/25/2008

Christmas morning!

When I was doing breakfasts this morning Rocky was nowhere to be found. That's normal, he often goes outside around breakfast time, then comes in for his a few minutes later. He was soaked when he finally came in. I towelled him off and looked outside. It must be really raining hard out there. Nope, just sprinkling lightly. He probably stood out in it for quite a while.

I had Beau in the bedroom with me overnight so the others were locked out. I didn't want them to be able to mess with his owies, or bother him. So when we came out they needed more petting and hugging and lapsitting than usual.

Then Beau and I went back to the bedroom for another hour of warm compresses for him and a while loose to work on a rawhide bone. Now he's in the pen with the cone collar on and the other dogs are all lying around, tired from their morning romp.

It looks like the rain is letting up, so they'll probably want to play outside soon. They have fun playing inside, but they can run faster and farther outside.

QD was licking a spot on his paw last night but he seems to have forgotten about it this morning. That's good, I don't want to try to deal with two invalid dogs at the same time.

Friday - 9:17 PM 12/26/2008

They went home.

A recent visit:
Saturday -- 8:06 PM 10/4/2008

They arrived a couple of hours ago. I'm told Pete enjoyed his dinner as usual and Rocky wasn't hungry. I'll keep an eye on his appetite.

This morning I filled all of Pete's holes in the yard, not knowing he would be back so soon. I watered the new dirt well, so maybe it won't be fluffy and desirable for digging. We'll see.

Tuesday -- 12:38 PM 10/7/2008

Oops. I haven't updated this in a while. Nothing interesting happening is the only excuse I can think of.

They are both happy dogs, and there's nothing interesting to tell.

Rocky was outside at breakfast time this morning and when he finally came in his dogfood was waiting for him. I think that was a bit of a surprise and he didn't eat. I gave it to him again a few hours later and he ate it.

I noticed this morning that all the newly filled holes are dug up again. The ground level is gradually getting higher as he scatters the dirt from the holes. Then I bring in new dirt so Petey can dig it out and start the process all over again.

Some day I'll get someone to level the whole yard. Maybe.

A recent visit:
Wednesday -- 4:20 PM 9/24/2008

They arrived yesterday afternoon. As usual they took a quick look around the house, said hello to whatever dogs were here, and rushed out to explore the backyard. Quarterdeck's here, and he and these dogs are best of friends.

After a bit of running and playing they came in and we all watched TV together.

This morning I wasn't feeling too well, so after breakfast I went back to bed for a couple of hours. The dogs were all quiet and didn't bother me. I had an afternoon nap on the couch and they didn't bother me at all until 3:45 when they started worrying about dinner. So I got up and gave them their dinner.

Rocky went into his pen for dinner, but he didn't eat. I hope he's feeling OK. He never is very eager about his meals, so I won't worry about him yet.

Thursday -- 4:14 PM 9/25/2008

Well, about an hour after not eating his dinner last night, Rocky came to me and announced he was ready for his dinner please. So I gave it to him again and he ate it all up.

He had his breakfast this morning and his dinner this afternoon too.

The days have started getting shorter. That's probably why the dogs are so insistant in the afternoon. It's really quite funny. Starting a little after 3 they begin keeping a close eye on me, and if I get up and go somewhere they are right with me. By about 3:30 they begin getting closer. Instead of being scattered all over the house and yard they are all within about 10 feet of me. And about 3 or 4 minutes before 4 they all start climbing into my lap. Since I had my laptop computer on my lap this time I found all the dogs a problem. They managed to push several buttons on it and start it doing all sorts of things I didn't intend.

Once I got out from under them they all went to their places and waited patiently for me to get their dinner to them. Now that they have finished eating they are again spread out through the house. They can relax about me until 6:40 tomorrow morning.

Friday -- 4:22 PM 9/26/2008

Everything's fine with these nice dogs.

Rocky didn't finish his breakfast but he ate all his dinner. He seems happy so I'm not worrying about him, just keeping an eye on him.

Sunday -- 9:43 AM 9/28/2008

Things are very boring these days. I've been feeling a little under the weather so I'm not entertaining them as much as usual. They do a good job of entertaining themselves. Pete's always ready to romp with anyone available. There's usually someone available, even if not for as long as Pete hoped.

Rocky's back to eating all his meals and seems happy and content.

3:57 PM 9/28/2008

These poor dogs have to put up with so much.

Since the days are getting shorter and it's a dreary cool day, dinnertime obviously must be earlier than 4. But I just couldn't understand what they were trying to tell me. I'm so dumb.

Starting about 3 they were fixated on convincing me it was dinnertime. Rocky howled at me, Petey kept coming and telling me how hungry he was. Starlight tried to sit on my lap. Beau went into the crate beside me and slammed his hand on the floor. Again and again. QD kept coming and asking if it was time yet.

I gave in a little before 4. I understand that I'm teaching them to bug me until they get fed. I really should do something to stop them. But they think it's so important.

Now they are happy and fed, and they won't have to worry until breakfast time. The problem is I think they are beginning to believe that they won't get fed until they badger me. That isn't good.

A recent visit:
Sunday -- 8:39 AM 8/17/2008

They arrived yesterday afternoon. They soon got acquainted with Makena, the lab puppy that lives with their old friend Nickie the pug.

Pete and Makena have been romping and having a wonderful time.

This morning Rocky didn't eat his breakfast. He seems to feel OK otherwise, so I'll just keep an eye on him and not worry for now.

4:57 PM 8/17/2008

Rocky ate his dinner, so I'm feeling better about him now. He isn't nearly as active as most of the other dogs but he's probably the oldest. I think he's lost his hearing. Last time he was here he didn't howl at the firetrucks, and this time he didn't come when I called him for dinner. I had to go out to the yard and stand where he could see me with his dish. Then he came in.

Pete's just about worn out from playing with the puppy. He'll be ready to go again tomorrow, I'm sure.

Tuesday -- 8:16 PM 8/19/2008

Pete's been having a wonderful time with the puppy, and Rocky's feeling fine. So far so good.

Saturday -- 9:21 AM 8/23/2008

We had a quiet night. People have a hard time believing me when I tell them how quiet it gets here at night. Dogs are pack animals, and when the leader of the pack goes to sleep the whole pack goes to sleep. And I'm the leader.

The puppy sleeps in her crate and all the others get to decide for themselves. I had 4 in my bedroom, including Pete and Rocky. I was awake around 4AM and I went to check on the ones who slept elsewhere. Starlight was on the chair next to the puppy's crate and QD was on the floor on the other side of the crate. They all seemed happy.

At 7 my alarm went off. The dogs in my room dashed out, eager for their breakfast. The dogs outside rushed in to make sure I got up and fed them. The puppy started barking.

So I put them all in their appointed places and got started feeding them. They all have different food and many have medicine in their food, so I have to be slow and deliberate in feeding them. It wouldn't be a good idea to give them someone else's medicine.

Rocky had gone outside when the alarm went off but I knew he'd show up for breakfast. And he did. After they were all fed I opened their gates and let them out as soon as they were finished. Rocky didn't eat his so I took it away and let him out. Then it was time to count the dogs. Seven. All accounted for.

Then we all went outside for poopy patrol. They are all finished and I've got it all picked up by 7:20. It takes a long time to get the whole gang ready for the day when there are so many.

Rocky decided he wanted his breakfast after all, so he ate it.

Then it's playtime. They romp and wrestle and chase each other until they collapse in a heap. And of course the puppy takes a long time to get tired. After a while she's the only one active.

Things are very quiet at the moment. Soon I'll go outside and they will all come with me. Then they will be ready to come into the house and be relatively quiet for most of the day.

Sunday -- 7:12 AM 8/24/2008

They went home last night. It sure seemed quiet without them.

A recent visit:
Sunday -- 9:48 PM 6/15/2008

These nice dogs are back for a long visit.

It's always fun when they arrive. They both rush out to the backyard and explore for a while. Petey comes in and jumps on Beau and they wrestle for a few minutes. Then Rocky wanders in to say hello and heads back outside.

Beau and Pete play for a while, then Pete challenges Starlight to chase him. She usually doesn't, but he persists until she plays with him for a while.

For the first hour or so there's a lot of bustling around, then it gradually winds down to a friendly quiet resting time.

Monday -- 4:34 PM 6/16/2008

There's one thing on their mind. Mealtime. Nothing else comes even close.

They all have little alarm clocks in their tummies, and they know breakfast is at 7. By 6:45 all four of them were loitering in my bedroom, keeping an eye on me. At 7 my alarm went off and they all dashed out. Then they noticed I wasn't with them so they came back in and watched me turn off the alarm and get up.

By the time I got to the living room the spaniels were waiting in their pens and I shut their doors. The labs were waiting in their room standing by their dishes.

Once they were fed they were happy to spend the day just being dogs, until nearly 4PM. A few minutes before 4 I noticed them all watching me. I looked at the clock to be sure, and they were right. I wonder what time Pete and Rocky get fed at home. They sure know 4PM when they're here.

They are having a good time so far. They brought a new toy this time, besides their kong on a rope they have another thing on a rope. My dogs think it's wonderful fun. Beau tried to tear it apart but he couldn't, so he's happy to use it for tug of war with anyone who will play with him.

Tuesday -- 6:27 PM 6/17/2008

I left them home alone a couple of hours this morning and I gave them the two huge rawhide bones they brought. My dogs almost didn't want to come with me when they saw what they were missing. When we got home I took out a bunch of my own rawhide bones and passed them around so nobody would feel left out.

Their old friend Quarterdeck arrived this morning and they said hello and went back to whatever they were doing. Quarterdeck found a bone and joined them in their chewing. Everybody's happy.

Thursday -- 7:58 AM 6/19/2008

Things are very peaceful and happy. All 7 dogs (Rocky, Pete, Quarterdeck, Lexa, Mozart, Starlight, Beau) are the best of friends and when they feel like playing there's someone to play with. And when they want a nap there's a good place to sleep with nobody bothering anybody.

I was told it would be good for these dogs to lose a little weight so I weighed them shortly after they arrived. It was hard because I have to pick them up and weigh them with me, and weigh myself alone and subtract one from the other. Since my scale weighs to the closest pound there's a lot of margin for error. And they are HEAVY! So I won't be doing it very often. Maybe once a week or so. After dinner on the 16th Rocky weighed 52 lb and Pete weighed 55.

Friday -- 8:41 PM 6/20/2008

Not much to report. Everybody's fine. We're having a heat wave but we're dealing with it nicely.

Saturday -- 7:05 PM 6/21/2008

The heatwave continues. There's a lot of lying around going on, and the water bowls get emptied at an amazing rate. Everybody's fine, though, and once it gets a little cooler in the evening the games begin.

They say tomorrow will be the last hot day, but they've been predicting one more day for a while now.

I guess Lexa and Mozart will be going home tomorrow. It's been a much easier several days than I expected, but it will be even easier after they leave.

Wednesday -- 11:49 AM 6/25/2008

It's really boring around here.

These two are the only visiting dogs at the moment, and they have lots of decisions to make. Which couch to nap on, or maybe napping in the shade outside would be better. Which toy to drop on Beau to get him to play with them. Which water bucket to drink out of.

It's probably time to weigh them again. Yeah, I'll do that. Real soon now.

2:04 PM 6/25/2008

OK, now I'm confused. I weighed them and wrote down everyone's weight and subtracted. It seems Rocky lost one pound, and weighs 51. So far so good. But Pete seems to have gained 5 pounds and now weighs 61.

Either I did something wrong in the weighing (always a possibility) or these dogs need a very different amount of food to maintain their weights.

Rocky does look a lot slimmer than Pete. Pete actually looks a bit heavy, but I don't think he looks like he gained 5 pounds in the past week.

I can't redo my first weighing, of course, but I can see if I can find my original notes and do the subtraction again. And I'll redo my today's weighing later. And I'll start feeding Pete less than I feed Rocky.

Friday -- 1:45 PM 6/27/2008

All's well. I brought out the rawhide bones today. Two huge ones R&P brought and about 6 smaller ones I had. There's been a lot of lying around and chewing, and now all the small ones seem to be gone and the labs are working on the big ones.

I've been feeding poor Petey less, and giving Rocky the same amount as before. I should get around to weighing them again soon.

The cooler weather we've been having has been a pleasure. The dogs have been doing lots of running and playing. For the moment it's just my two dogs and these two visitors. We're expecting Quarterdeck to join us tomorrow, probably.

Monday -- 11:48 PM 6/30/2008

I haven't updated this page for a while. Sorry. Nothing new to report. The dogs are all healthy and behaving well.

Friday -- 6:20 AM 7/4/2008

Last night the fireworks started in the neighborhood and all 4 dogs went outside to scold the culprits. I made them come back in. Tonight there will probably be a lot more activity. I'm staying home to make sure everyone behaves.

None of the dogs seem to be afraid of the fireworks, fortunately.

At the moment I just have the usual 4 dogs. I'm not expecting any others to join us for another 10 days.

Sunday -- 10:12 AM 7/6/2008

We made it through the fourth of July uneventfully. There was a lot of banging and booming, but they believed me when I told them they didn't need to guard the place.

I've noticed this visit that they aren't howling at the fire engines anymore. It was always Rocky who started it, and the others just went along for the ride. This time Rocky doesn't react at all when they go by. I'm wondering if maybe his hearing has gone bad. It's hard to test because he never did respond well when I'd speak to him. And if I make a sudden loud sound all the other dogs will react and he'll see them and he'll look around to see what's happening. So I won't worry about it but I will mention it to his people when they come for them.

The days are all pretty much the same. In the morning after breakfast they all (except Rocky, usually) romp and wrestle and chase each other for a while. Pete and Starlight stare each other down, then Starlight dashes out the dogdoor while Pete goes out the people door. They run in the yard for a few laps, then they come in the same way they went out and stare at each other again. Then out they go for another round.

Beau often brings me a ball and when I throw it for him Pete beats him to it and tries to get Beau to chase him and take it away. Beau isn't usually interested. He just finds another ball for me to throw. Pete can't pick up two balls at once so Beau wins.

Then it's naptime until evening when it gets cool and the dogs all begin to play their games again.

Tuesday -- 1:36 PM 7/8/2008

Everything's fine here, the dogs are all having a good time.

I've just about decided I don't know how to weigh dogs. I noticed that when I repeated some weighings on my scale (that I thought was pretty accurate) the results vary by as much as two pounds.

Anyhow, I weighed them again last night, and if you believe the numbers Rocky has gained 3 pounds and Pete has gained 7 pounds. Pete does look a bit chubby, but I think Rocky looks good. I'm already feeling guilty about how little I'm feeding Pete, but if it's enough to make him gain that fast I can feed him even less.

I really need to get a good dog scale, but they cost a lot. I bought a cheap one online, thinking it looked pretty good, but it turned out to be just a regular human scale with a bigger platform attached. It would only work if the dog was nicely balanced in the middle of the platform, and even then it wasn't very reliable. It's stowed in the closet. I should probably stow it in the trash.

Beau's looking a bit chubby lately too. I guess I'm just too nice to these dogs.

Thursday -- 8:48 PM 7/10/2008

This morning the dogs howled for the first time this visit. Pete heard the firetrucks and rushed out to howl on the back porch and all the others joined him. I was about to shush them when I saw Beau getting ready to try to howl. I waited a moment as he reconsidered, then I invited them all to come in and be quiet.

This evening they all heard something outside and rushed out, then all but Rocky came back in. Rocky stayed out and barked, and barked, and barked. Rocky barking is so unusual I didn't even recognize his voice.

When I have watermelon Beau thinks the rind is the most wonderful thing in the world. This evening I had some and I gave Beau 90% of it and split the rest among all the others. They all thought it was exceptionally good. And did I have any more, please?

Saturday -- 7:36 PM 7/12/2008

Rocky scares me sometimes. Yesterday he was fast asleep in his favorite position on the green couch. On his back, legs in the air, head propped between two pillows. His breathing was so slow and shallow I couldn't see it, and one eye was partially open with only the white part showing.

I watched closely and sure enough he was breathing. Just having a nice nap.

I've finally learned not to worry about Beau when he sleeps so hard, and I'm learning not to worry about Rocky. But I know Rocky's had some medical problems recently so I suppose I worry a bit more about him.

A recent visit:
Thursday -- 5:02 PM 4/3/2008

Well, that didn't go the way I planned it.

It was all my fault. I got so busy and annoyed trying to put a destination into my GPS thingy so I can go to a place I've never been before on Saturday. I had a hard time figuring it out once before, when it was new, and I haven't put any new places into it for a long time. I remember it was easy and obvious once you understood it, but I had been going around in circles with it, almost in tears at one point.

The dogs knew I was frustrated, and they weren't happy. Beau heard Rocky and Pete's car pull up and started barking. Louie joined him. That was the last straw. I scolded him just as the doorbell rang.

Of course the gate that separates the front door from the rest of the house had broken again yesterday, so I should have had Louie locked up. But I had lost track of the time and forgotten to expect the new dogs.

So instead of locking Louie up I grabbed his collar and opened the door to see who it could be. It was Rocky and Pete and their mom. So I held onto Louie's collar and opened the screen door. The dogs rushed in as they always do, and Louie jumped on Rocky.

Rocky started screaming like someone was killing him. His mom stood there in the doorway, not knowing what to do. I held onto Louie's collar, since the door was open, but he was on top of Rocky. All five dogs were milling around in my little entryway.

Eventually it worked out. Rocky wasn't hurt, just scared. He went out to the yard. His mom trusted me when I told her these dogs knew each other and were friends, and Rocky wasn't hurt and he'd be OK.

So now Rocky is avoiding Louie, and as I was sure, he's not hurt at all. They hadn't yet had their dinner when they arrived, so I fed them almost immediately. They are in their pens, not eating. Louie's in a crate, just to keep him out of the way until the others finish their dinner.

If Pete and Rocky don't eat soon I'll turn them all loose and feed them again in an hour or so when they aren't so excited.

8:49 PM 4/3/2008

Petey finished his dinner not too long after I gave it to him. Rocky waited a couple of hours, then told me he was ready for it, so I gave it to him and he ate most of it.

Louie and Pete have been running and playing and wearing each other out. Sometimes Starlight plays with them. Beau contributes by growling as they rush past. That's easier than getting up from his nap and running with them.

Rocky and Starlight don't really like all the togetherness so they spend quite a bit of quiet time in other rooms. Pete and Louie and Beau tend to be in the room I'm in.

Friday -- 8:30 AM 4/4/2008

Another quiet night. Petey and Louie sneaked out early in the morning but they played quietly so I didn't worry about them. Louie can't understand why his good friend Rocky doesn't want to play with him. He still asks, but he doesn't insist.

Rocky doesn't avoid him anymore, he just mostly ignores him. Louie's not used to being ignored.

I have to leave the dogs locked in for a few hours today, and I'm intending to put Rocky and Pete in the big pen and leave Louie in a crate where he won't annoy Rocky. I can't leave them loose because I'm expecting the gardeners to come in today.

Saturday -- 4:59 PM 4/5/2008

Oh the excitement!

Soon after breakfast I left all 5 dogs home to take care of things. Everything was fine when I got home, but they figured since I'd been gone almost forever it must be way past dinnertime. Actually, no, it was still almost an hour before dinnertime.

I couldn't convince them they weren't on the verge of starvation, with Rocky and Pete standing in their usual pens, and Beau and Starlight waiting in the hallway for me to open the door to where I feed them, and Louie running around in circles with a sock in his mouth.

So I fed them before it was even 4:30. What a relief. They didn't starve after all. Now they're all relaxed and lying around. Imagine how they'll feel when I go out again tomorrow after breakfast. OH NO, not again!

Monday -- 4:11 PM 4/7/2008

Sprinkler fun!

I watered the back yard today, and the dogs all reacted differently.

Beau stayed in the house, or in the yard well away from the sprinkler.

Starlight had a wonderful time playing in the water, biting the sprinkler, dashing in and out of the stream, then running to the other dogs, rolling in the grass and dirt, going into the house to shake (I stopped that)

Rocky pretended he didn't notice, and wandered around the yard and got rather wet.

Pete and Louie chased Starlight and ran with her but they tried to stay away from the sprinkler. They got a little wet.

We're done now, and for some reason the house smells like wet dogs. No idea why. I towelled the wettest ones off.

We'll have dinner soon, then Quarterdeck will arrive and the fun will begin all over again.

Tuesday -- 8:43 PM 4/8/2008

Yesterday QD and Louie's humping game was active and rough. Today it's much more subdued. One humps the other for a minute or two, then they change off. I guess they wore themselves out yesterday.

Petey watched all the humping and decided to join in, so while Louie was humping QD, Petey jumped on Louie. That didn't go over well. Louie went after Pete with both guns blazing. He grabbed the fur on Petey's side and didn't let go until Pete was well and truly scared. Petey sat in my lap for a while (unhurt) and the big boys went back to their game. Starlight was disappointed that it didn't turn into a real fight.

Now they are all lying around waiting for bedtime.

Sunday -- 7:48 AM 4/13/2008

It's so boring here I forgot to update this report. The boys are healthy and happy. It's been hot yesterday and today, so Pete and ROcky have been spending quite a bit of time out in the shade. All the other dogs prefer to stay in the house no matter how warm it gets. It never gets terribly warm in the house, fortunately.

Monday -- 4:31 PM 4/14/2008

It's a bit cooler today. Nothing exciting happening. I ran the sprinkler today but the dogs decided they didn't care to play in it. Not even Starlight. I don't always understand them, but they are nice to have around.

They get to go home tomorrow if all goes as planned.

Tuesday -- 8:30 PM 4/15/2008

They went home a couple hours ago. Their dad came in for a couple of minutes while I got their things together. While they waited both dogs howled and barked and carried on. It looked like they were telling him about all the abuse they'd suffered. I wonder if he believed them.

They probably told him they hadn't had any dinner, too. They did though.

A recent visit:
Wednesday -- PM 2/20/2008

They're back for a few days.

As usual they came in this morning like they own the place, said a quick hello to the resident dogs, and rushed outside to check things out.

When they were ready to come back in they greeted Beau and Starlight again and Petey tackled Beau. Beau thought that was fine and they wrestled for a while.

Eventually Beau was tired and started to nap on the couch. Petey kept playing with him, crouching and leaping and pretending Beau was almost ready to leap at him. Finally he started poking Beau with his nose, but Beau really was napping. Poor Petey. Nobody to play with.

They've been in and out all day, having a pleasant time, with lots of naps in between.

It's been raining off and on, but they haven't brought in any significant mud yet. Give them time.

Thursday -- 5:20 PM 2/21/2008

We had our usual quiet night and day. Rocky put himself to bed on my bedroom floor mattress fairly early last night, and when I wen into the bedroom he moved out to the living room with Starlight.

I don't much care where they decide to sleep as long as they are quiet and don't do anything bad. Beau and Pete like to be as close to me as they can and Rocky and Starlight want to be alone.

It just started raining again, and I think it will rain most of the night. The dogs all went out after dinner and they came back in damp. I hope they are in for the night now.

Friday -- 7:24 PM 2/22/2008

Another day comes to an end.

Nothing interesting to report. We're all healthy and happy.

It rained close to an inch last night but it hasn't rained during the day.

I noticed today that there haven't been any new holes dug in the yard for a long time. Maybe I should fill in all the low spots and have a nice lawn for a change.

Saturday -- 5:39 PM 2/23/2008

They went home a little while ago.

They had an early dinner since they were convinced it was dark so it must be dinnertime. Poor Petey sat in the crate and waited about half an hour before I finally gave in.

A recent visit:

Wednesday -- 7:54 PM 12/19/2007

Here they are again. They'll be here about a week this time.

They rushed in the front door and out the dogdoor, same as always. A few minutes later they came in and Petey was coughing. Hmmm.

Their parents hadn't said anything about Pete having a cough. So I waited a few minutes and the coughs got fewer and farther between. He was still coughing several minutes later. Not a lot, but every now and then. So I phoned his mom.

She said he hadn't been coughing at home. I needed to know in case it gets worse, whether he'd been sick before he got here. So I'd know what to tell the vet, if necessary, and so I'd know when to become alarmed.

After I called her he stopped coughing. That's good. I hope he isn't coming down with something. He's had all his shots, but you never know. He seems to feel fine. Maybe it's just a reaction to running around in the cold in the yard.

Thursday -- 8:06 AM 12/20/2007

No coughing all night long, so whatever it was is gone. That's a relief.

Saturday -- 3:37 PM 12/22/2007

Nothing happening around here. Petey hasn't coughed at all since that first day. Whatever it was, it's gone.

It looks like I'll be leaving the dogs home longer than usual a couple of times next week. The first time will be when I visit my family Christmas Eve. The next one is the day after Christmas when I'll go out to Hesperia to visit my horse that's being trained, and have a lesson or two of my own. It's almost a 2 hour drive there, so I'll be gone most of the day. Never fear, the dogs will take good care of things.

With such short days the dogs always seem to think it's dinnertime, or maybe breakfast time. I'll be giving them their dinner soon just so they can stop worrying about it. I have to be careful not to feed them too early or they will expect a second dinner when evening comes.

After dinner the other day three of the dogs were underfoot as usual, but Rocky was nowhere to be seen. I had a hunch I knew where he was. I looked in the bedroom and there he was, smack in the middle of my bed, looking smug and trying to be invisible. At bedtime I left him there and found a little space I could squeeze into. Beau managed to get his usual place where my feet usually go. Starlight felt quite left out, even though she usually prefers to sleep in another room, all alone.

Wednesday -- 7:26 AM 12/26/2007

They were fine when I left them home alone Christmas eve, but they told me they were in danger of starving to death. It was a couple of hours later than I usually feed them, so I can understnd their concern.

I'll be leaving them home alone again today but I should be back in time to feed them.

Their parents will come for them tomorrow morning and I'll be back to having no visiting dogs for a while. Peace and quiet.

Thursday -- 10:56 AM 12/27/2007

We haven't heard from their parents yet. I'm assuming they'll pick up their dogs today. If not, we'll manage just fine without them.

PM 12/27/2007

They've gone home. It sure is quiet.

A recent visit:

Friday -- 7:52 AM 11/30/2007

The sky is falling!

Oh wait, it's water. It must be rain. I remember rain. That's the stuff the dogs love to track into the house.

The dogs all have that interesting "wet dog" smell.

Rocky and Pete arrived yesterday morning and rushed out to the backyard to check things out. The other dogs ignored them. Ho hum, they're back.

It's supposed to rain off and on all day today.

6:11 PM 11/30/2007

As predicted, it rained pretty much all day. We all stayed home and watched TV and napped. And vacuumed up the feathers that seem to have escaped from the feather pillow in the big pen. And wrestled and played keepaway with the tennis ball. And had occasional treats.

The dogs stayed in most of the time, so there wasn't very much mud or water tracked in. That was nice of them.

The rain is supposed to end overnight. The total here will probably be close to an inch. That will be enough for a while.

Sunday -- 5:19 PM 12/2/2007

They just went home. We expect them back in a week or two.

A recent visit:

Monday -- 1:55 PM 11/19/2007

Here they are again. They found Louie the yellow labrador retriever here and it wasn't long before they were all good friends. All three dogs are visiting us until after Thanksgiving.

Wednesday -- 7:23 PM 11/21/2007

Everything's fine here. All the dogs are getting along well. Pete has a new best friend, Louie the lab.

Tomorrow I'll be leaving the whole pack home most of the day while I go celebrate Thanksgiving with my family. They'll have a nice time together.

Saturday -- 9:49 AM 11/24/2007

Everything's still fine here. Petey's been having a good time with Louie, and Rocky's happy and content.

We're watching the new Malibu fire on TV while we wait for the yard guys to come and mow. This afternoon I'm expecting a TV to be delivered and I'll put all 5 dogs in the big pen for both events. They can stay happily in the pen for hours if necessary, which it almost never is.

All the visitors are expected to go home tomorrow and my dogs and I will have several days to ourselves before the next gang of dogs arrive.

Sunday -- 8:13 PM 11/25/2007

They went home this afternoon. Their dad was kind enough to help me take the big TV off the wall so I could straighten the bracket and put on a bigger set.

They'll be back soon.

A recent visit:

Sunday -- 8:20 PM 10/21/2007

They've been here about 24 hours. They came in the front door, went out the side dogdoor, and weren't heard from again until morning. I went to bed soon after they arrived. They feel like this is their other home, so they are easy. In the morning they were clamoring for breakfast. They don't get real breakfasts, but while I feed the other dogs they get a cookie to make them feel better about things.

Today has been uneventful. All is well. We're watching the fires on TV. It's windy in much of Southern California, but there's no wind here at all. So far at least.

Tuesday -- 7:25 AM 10/23/2007

There's nothing noteworthy going on. Everyone's healthy and happy. Petey and Beau are having a wrestling match while I'm typing this. Beau pretends to be too old and stodgy to play with Pete, but it just takes a moment for him to get into the spirit of things. Correction, now they are having a tugging match. The growling sounds like a beehive.

The wind isn't as bad as it has been, and there's not much smell of smoke. The wind direction is blowing the smoke from all the fires in other directions so we aren't getting much of it.

Wednesday -- 7:26 PM 10/24/2007

Not much happening. Everyone's fine. Not quite so hot today, but still unpleasant. The sky is a funny color.

Friday -- 5:26 PM 10/26/2007

They went home a few hours ago.

A recent visit:
Saturday -- 1:19 PM 9/1/2007

These two dogs arrived yesterday evening. They ran in through the front door and out through the back. Their dad assured me they had already had their dinner, no matter what they told me.

They didn't even bother to try for a second dinner. I guess they heard him warning me.

They've settled back into the normal routine here. I'm sure their life at their own house is very different, with different schedules and different rules, but they know how things work here and they are just fine with it all. All the dogs are happy, healthy, and relaxed.

Besides Beau and Starlight the black labs, they also have their friend Nickie the pug to play with. We also expect a few other dogs to drop by now and then.

Sunday -- 8:27 PM 9/2/2007

Another happy day comes to an end.

In the morning a couple of human friends and one doggy friend came for a visit. And in the evening Mike brought Max and Sassy. A good time was had by all.

They've all gone home now and the dogs are asleep all over the floor. We'll be going to bed soon.

Monday -- 5:57 PM 9/3/2007

We're having a heat wave.

Fortunately my house is in one of the coolest areas around so it isn't as bad here as most places.

By about 5PM it cooled off enough that the dogs were happy to go out with me and run and play. Nickie sure is cute when she wrestles with Beau. She has to stand on her tippy toes to reach him and he has to be careful not to step on her. They enjoy each other.

While we were outside a couple of small planes came by towing huge advertising banners. They looked like they were going about 10 miles an hour but I don't imagine they were. The dogs all barked at them and chased them away. What good brave dogs I have.

Pete and Starlight ran and chased each other and also chased a bug. I was glad when it got away from them. I couldn't tell what kind it was.

Pete's holes in the yard are getting big enough and deep enough to be dangerous. I'll probably fill them all in tomorrow. He throws the dirt so far it's a big job to find it all and put it back. Maybe I could teach him to do it for me. No, I don't suppose so. Oh well.

Tuesday -- 7:59 PM 9/4/2007

Nickie went home today so things have calmed down some.

It wasn't as hot today as yesterday but it was hotter than we liked.

So far so good.

Wednesday -- 7:53 PM 9/5/2007

Another boring day comes to an end.

Thursday -- 6:33 PM 9/6/2007

Petey and Starlight are the same age. When these dogs started staying with us they were both puppies. Almost grown puppies, but still immature. They had such fun running and playing together. Pete still wants to play with her but she's gotten a bit middle aged in the past few years. She still plays with him but not as much as he'd like. Fortunately there are lots of other dogs here for him to play with.

He plays tug games with Beau and various other dogs.

Rocky has a bit of diarrhea today. He's feeling fine and eating well, so I'm not worried about him. But I'll keep an eye on him.

The heat wave seems to be finished for now. That's good.

Friday -- 6:29 PM 9/7/2007

All's well here. Whatever Rocky's problem was seems to be gone.

Summer and her mom came for a visit this morning and all the dogs had a good run and chase. Then it was back to napping. Dogs are like that.

Tomorrow should be another quiet boring day.

Saturday

Sunday -- 7:44 AM 9/9/2007

Oops. Yesterday was so boring I forgot to write my update.

It was so cool last night all four dogs slept in my bedroom. Lately they've been scattering around and finding places they could be alone and cooler to sleep.

I think we'll be having another warm spell next week, and then I suppose fall will finally arrive.

Everyone's healthy and happy.

Monday -- 7:29 AM 9/10/2007

Poor Petey.

He can't find anybody to play with. He goes to each dog in turn and asks them to play with him. Sometimes they'll play with him for just a minute, but he wants someone to run and wrestle and growl. Nobody will. So he plays by himself for a few minutes, then asks another dog.

They are all loafing around digesting their breakfast. I'll go outside with them in a few minutes and probably someone will play with him then.

9:07 AM 9/10/2007 update

Shortly after I wrote the above Petey managed to get the others to play with him. They ran and wrestled and growled. They played with a tennis ball and a chunk of rope. Now everyone's done, including Petey.

Tuesday -- 8:05 PM 9/11/2007

The day started out boring, but we had a little excitement in the afternoon. A swarm of bees decided to park themselves in my avocado tree. I got some wire fencing and fenced off part of the yard so the dogs won't bother the bees until they move on or I have them moved.

I had to go out for a couple of hours after I discovered them and I didn't have time to build the fence so I left the brittanys in the house while I was gone.

Now they're free to come and go again, but not all the way to the bees.

Wednesday -- 1:30 PM 9/12/2007

The bees are still there, so the fence is still there. The dogs still have about a third of the yard to play in.

These dogs are teaching Beau to howl. And I'm too dumb to make them stop.

They were in the house when a firetruck went by and both Pete and Rocky started howling and not showing any thoughts about stopping. So Beau decided it must be the thing to do. I really don't want him to howl, but he's so cute when he does it I find myself smiling and even laughing a bit instead of telling him not to do it.

Starlight just sat there looking bewildered. She couldn't figure out why all these dogs were doing such a strange thing.

6:42 PM 9/12/2007

There's probably an old saying about the quality of fences built by an old lady in 15 minutes. If not, there should be one.

This afternoon I noticed Starlight on the wrong side of the bee fence. I scolded her and told her to get back where she belonged. Poor thing couldn't figure out how. So I picked up the fence and told her to go under. Petey thought that was keen and he started under it in the other direction. No, Pete.

When I put the fence back where it belonged Rocky marched up to it and treated it like a dogdoor and went right under. And he didn't hear me when I told him to come back. Very poor hearing when it suits him.

I made him come back to the proper side and told him not to do it again. And he didn't. Amazing. These dogs really are pretty good, most of the time. It's been several hours and none of the dogs have gone under the fence. I think if the bees are still here when I have to go out in the morning I'll leave the dogs locked in the house. Just in case.

Thursday -- 7:05 PM 9/13/2007

Rocky and Pete stayed in the house for a few hours this morning. The bees are still here.

Tomorrow is gardener day, so this afternoon I moved the fence so it's closer to the bees. That way the gardener will be able to mow more of the yard. I put a little more effort into making it right. Starlight probably won't break through any more. She spent most of last night on the wrong side because she couldn't figure out how to get back.

The dogs like having a larger yard to play in.

Friday

Saturday -- 8:49 AM 9/15/2007

The gardener came and didn't have any problem with the bees. They are still here as of this morning. They've been here at least 4 days now. That's longer than they should stay, according to the information I have. Besides, it's awfully late in the year for them to be starting a new hive. I hope they manage to find a new home soon.

The dogs are all fine and happy. No news is good news.

Sunday -- 8:19 AM 9/16/2007

Petey and Starlight are lying on their backs, arms and legs waving around, passing a chunk of rope between them.

That's a popular piece of rope. It started its life as the trim on a dogbed that several dogs destroyed some months ago. Now it's about two feet long and the dogs frequently use it as a tug toy or bait to get another dog to chase them.

I got some cement the other day and filled in Petey's holes. One was almost knee deep by the time I got around to it. They are still messing with the holes but they are only six or eight inches deep now.

The bees are still living in the avocado tree. The new fence keeps the dogs safely away from them, and surely they'll leave soon. I hope. They can't just stay there forever in a clump, can they?

Monday -- 4:11 PM 9/17/2007 The bees are finally gone. They left a little piece of honeycomb behind for me to remember them by. That was nice of them. I kinda wish I had made them a place to stay.

One of the dogs had diarrhea yesterday, but I wasn't sure which one it was. I thought it was probably Beau. They all seemed to be feeling fine. Today Pete didn't finish his food, so maybe he's got something. He ate most of it, and seems happy and playful. I'll keep an eye on all of them, but I don't think there's really any problem.

Tuesday -- 5:42 PM 9/18/2007

Everyone's happy and feeling fine. Some sirens went by just now and the dogs didn't even bother to howl. They come by so often it isn't fun anymore, I guess. Well, Rocky did say rowoo, but that hardly counts.

I guess their parents are about to head for home. The dogs will be glad to see them. They probably are beginning to think they will have to stay here forever.

I'm not sure exactly when they'll arrive. Probably Thursday afternoon or evening, since that's when I have to be out for several hours. I suppose they'll phone when they get home and if I don't answer they'll know I'm not here.

Wednesday -- 7:12 PM 9/19/2007

Just after dinner today their dad called and asked if he could have his dogs back. Sure, he can have them for a while.

So they're gone now and we have more than a week to rest until we have another visitor scheduled.

A recent visit:
Wednesday -- 8:46 PM 8/15/2007

Here they are again. They came in like they live here and romped and played with the others.

Petey teased Beau for a while, then he and Starlight chased each other through the jungle. Rocky and Bosley discussed things and decided everything was fine.

It looks like they've worn themselves out and we can have a quiet night.

Thursday -- 11:36 AM 8/16/2007

We had an unusually quiet night. In the morning they all milled around quietly until a little before 7. Then they started wating for the alarm to go off so the day could start. When we were done with breakfasts all the dogs went out to run and play. Then I put Rocky and Pete in the pen so they wouldn't howl at the sirens and left Bosley in charge while I took my own dogs to the barn for a couple hours.

Max and Sassy arrived a while ago. That makes seven dogs. Bosley will go home soon and we'll be back down to my limit of six until Nickie arrives. Oh well, they are all nice dogs and they seem to like each other.

4:29 PM 8/16/2007

Well.

Managing seven dogs is interesting.

Bosley's dad phoned and said he was on his way. He'd be here between 4 and 4:30. OK, I'd send Bosley home, then I could feed the remaining six.

But they were too smart for me. At exactly 4 o'clock they began reminding me. Dinnertime. Dinnertime. Dinnertime Please. OK, so I opened gates and Petey and Rocky went into their pens. Bosley went into his crate. Max and Sassy were milling around not quite sure what was expected. So I took Beau and Starlight into their room and fed them and shut the door. Came back and fixed Bosley's dinner and gave it to him. And the doorbell rang. Bosley's dad. So we waited a few minutes while Bosley finished his dinner and he went out happily with his dad.

That gave me an extra crate and I sent Max into it. I prepared Pete and Rocky's dinners and fed them, then fixed Sassy's medicine and gave it to her in the kitchen. While she was eating it I fixed Max's dinner and gave it to him. Then I gave Sassy the rest of her dinner.

Then back to my own dogs to give Beau his medicine and give them each one more bite of dogfood. Then out to see if everyone else was done. Stop and think. Has everyone been fed? Has everyone had the right medicine? Is everyone finished? OK, time to turn everyone loose.

After a few days of this many dogs it seems so amazingly easy when they all go home and I just have to deal with my own dogs.

Saturday -- 6:55 PM 8/18/2007

After Bosley went home Nickie arrived, so we still have seven dogs, but we're all doing well.

Things are very normal here. All the dogs are getting along well. Everyone's healthy and happy. Tomorrow they will start going home and by Monday night I think they'll all be gone. Won't that be strange.

And I don't have any more dogs scheduled for over a week.

Sunday -- 9:26 AM 8/19/2007

It's been a typical morning.

After all the dogs had their breakfast we went outside and the dogs rushed around and played and explored.

We came in and some rested and others wanted to play.

Max and Nickie wanted to play with Petey. Pete wanted to play with Beau. Beau wanted to play with the kong on a rope by himself. Then Max wanted to play with Rocky but Rocky wanted to be left alone. Eventually the ones who wanted to play found others who would play with them, and in a little while they were done playing and ready to rest or watch for interesting things through the front door or window.

As it warms up things will probably be quiet for much of the day.

6:07 PM 8/19/2007

Max's dad came this afternoon just in time for the agility class, so he picked up Max and I took Starlight and Beau and we all headed to class. After class they came back and we visited for a while. Then he left with Max and Sassy and I fed the remaining 5 dogs. They were afraid I'd forgotten.

Nickie will be spending one more night with us. So tomorrow we expect all the remaining visiting dogs to go home and leave us to ourselves for a while. Won't that be strange!

Monday -- 8:28 AM 8/20/2007

It sure is quiet around here. All 5 dogs are napping after their breakfast. It's looking like it will be another very warm day, so I don't expect much excitement.

Pete and Rocky's people are expected to come and get them this evening. They'll be so happy.

It's nice that they love to come here and they love to go home.

5:37 PM 8/20/2007

They left a few minutes ago. As I watched them drive away Beau came to me bringing the kong on a rope. Uh-oh. That belongs to the dogs that just left.

I'll keep it for them because they'll be back again in less than two weeks. Unless their people ask for it.

Nickie left earlier today too, so I'm left with just my very own dogs. Nice.

A recent visit:
Friday -- 7:38 PM 7/20/2007

Here they are again for the weekend. They arrived this morning and settled right in like they lived here. Beau and Starlight were happy to see them. Beau was especially glad to see the toy they usually bring, a kong on a rope. He carried it outside and asked them to help him play with it but they weren't interested. Maybe later.

We've had a peaceful boring day. Tomorrow will be more exciting when Rusty the little poodle arrives. None of us have met him yet, but we have it on good authority he'll be easy to get along with. Hope so. If not, we'll manage anyhow.

Saturday -- 2:05 PM 7/21/2007

Well, now they've done it.

They taught Beau to howl. He was napping in the living room when a firetruck started up and went out of the firehouse. He perked up because he knew the dogs would howl. Rocky started up, and a few seconds later Pete joined him. And then it was Beau's turn. He started by barking, but the barks gradually turned into huge mournful howls. He didn't bother to get up. He just lay there with his nose pointed straight up. Howling and howling.

With three of them howling together they were able to keep each other going. I don't know how long they would have continued if I hadn't stopped them. I wasn't in too much of a hurry to stop them since they were all in the house where they probably wouldn't bother the neighbors.

Rusty the little poodle joined us this morning. He's fitting in well with the pack. Rocky finds him fascinating so Rusty occasionally snarls at him and makes him back off. By tomorrow they will all be old pals.

4:43 PM 7/21/2007

That was a short visit. Their parents changed their plans so they were able to pick up their dogs today. Rusty's wandering around looking for them.

A recent visit:
Friday -- 10:11 AM 7/13/2007

Here they are again. They came rushing in eagerly as usual, ran and played for a while, and now they are lying around.

Summer and her mom were visiting when they arrived, and all 5 dogs ran and played. Now there are just 4 dogs here for the weekend.

I'll be leaving all 4 home this evening and going to an Angels baseball game with my dad and brother. I hope they don't get into any trouble. No, they'll be fine.

11:30 PM 7/13/2007

It was a good ballgame, and when I got home the dogs told me they thought I wasn't ever coming home. I must admit, I was gone a long time. And I'll be gone a long time tomorrow evening, too. But they can take care of themselves for a few hours.

Monday -- 9:10 AM 7/16/2007

Oh look, I've forgotten to keep this page updated. I understand their parents rarely check the page, so I don't worry so much about it. Oops.

Everything's fine.

I think they will come for their boys today.

A recent visit:
Sunday -- 9:13 PM 6/24/2007

The dogs are here again. Bosley arrived a few hours ago, then Pete and Rocky. We'll have a fun week.

They've been running in and out, but fairly quietly. There's a little growling but it's all in fun. Nobody's doing any barking so I don't have to lock them in yet. If they start making noise I'll bring them in so they don't bother the neighborhood.

Monday -- 1:59 PM 6/25/2007

It's happy and fairly quiet around here. All the dogs are good friends and there's always someone to play with.

While it was cooler this morning there was lots of running but now there's more napping.

Tuesday -- 11:44 AM 6/26/2007

Nothing much exciting happening. Bosley and Rocky started playing tug of war with one of the dog beds but I caught them in the act and made them stop before any damage happened. And when I left them home alone this morning I made sure there weren't any beds available to them. They had to settle for sleeping on the floor or the couches while I was gone.

When my dogs and I got home this morning the boys were waiting for us happily. They don't seem to get into much trouble while we're gone. That's good because I'll have to leave them several times during their visit.

Wednesday -- 7:53 AM 6/27/2007

We've had our breakfasts, and the dogs were all lying around watching Bosley chew up a tennis ball. Then a firetruck started up across the street and headed out with its siren blaring. So Beau barked, knowing what was coming. Rocky and pete rushed out to howl, so Starlight started barking too. Bosley gave me a "what is this all about" look amd went out to watch. Now they are all back inside and Bosley's working on the tennis ball again. Petey's trying to sneak it away from him.

These are all very nice dogs to have around.

Friday -- 7:21 AM 6/29/2007

Oops, I think I forgot yesterday's update. Nothing interesting happening. The dogs are all happy and healthy, enjoying each others company.

4:24 PM 6/29/2007

Still very boring around here. This job doesn't pay very well, but how many jobs can you think of where it's considered a good thing to lie on the couch and have an afternoon nap, then go outside and sit in the shade and watch dogs play? It sure beats working.

I went out for a quick trip to the drugstore a while ago, and when I returned the three labs were waiting for me at the front door. But where were Pete and Rocky? They had put themselves into the pen and crate I feed them in. They know what's important. The labrador retrievers were at least as hungry as the brittanys but they wanted to remind me in person. Either way works. They all got their dinner.

Sunday -- 7:57 AM 7/1/2007

All's still fine and happy here. The boys will be going home soon. They're all running and playing at the moment, and the kong on a rope is being played with so I will wait to pack it up for them to take home.

A recent visit:

Thursday-- 9:56 AM 5/17/2007

Here they are again. Actually they arrived yesterday but I plumb forgot to mention it. As usual they are fitting in just as if they lived here.

They've been outside to howl twice this morning, but I think the neighbors on both sides have already left for the day so I let them howl until they stopped on their own. My dogs think it's wonderful and they go out and bark. It takes several minutes for them all to stop.

We don't have much planned for the day but I'm sure we'll find something to keep us busy.

Friday -- 3:44 PM 5/18/2007

We kept busy doing not much all day today. It's still 20 minutes before dinnertime but all four dogs have been hinting that they may starve at any moment. Not much sympathy here.

After finally I give in and feed them I'll be going for a walk with my neighbor and without any dogs.

Tomorrow morning I have to go out for a long lunch. That's about all we have planned for the near future. Boring, huh?

Saturday -- 9:49 PM 5/19/2007

I was out a few hours this morning, then we all stayed home. There was evidently an airshow at the local airport. We got buzzed by lots of airplanes, and the dogs all decided to protect the place from them.

My house seems to be full of happy sleeping dogs. What could be better?

Sunday -- 9:30 PM 5/20/2007

I had my normal Sunday with guests (human and canine) coming and going and taking my own dogs to Starlight's agility class. Petey and Rocky were good, as usual.

I guess they'll be going home tomorrow.

Tuesday -- 6:43 AM 5/22/2007

Oops, they didn't go home yesterday after all. Their people couldn't get a flight home. That's OK, I don't mind keeping them an extra day. Or two, if necessary.

They'll have to stay home alone much of the day but they are fine with that.

Wednesday -- 8:15 PM 5/23/2007

Oh yeah, they went home last night.

an earlier visit:

Monday -- 8:10 PM 4/2/2007

These nice dog are here again.They're planning to spend about a week this time.

I have a labrador retriever staying with me named Rocky. Major confusion. That Rocky will be going home tomorrow. For today's report I'll refer to them as Rocky lab and Rocky spaniel.

I've discovered it isn't a good idea to have two dogs in the same house with the same name. Whenever I try to call one or scold one the other doesn't understand.

Rocky lab and Pete got off to a bad start. Rocky lab saw Pete greet Beau in his usual way, which was to tackle him, wrap his arms around his neck, and try to pull him over. So Rocky lab thought Petey was a playful rough-house sort of dog. And aproached him with that in mind. And Pete said who are you and what do you think you're doing?

There was a bit of growling and posturing, but neither of them wanted to fight so I just let them figure it out for themselves. They aren't good friends yet, but they are comfortable with each other.

I'll be going out for a couple of hours this afternoon and I'll keep them separated,

4:53 PM 4/2/2007

While I was gone I left Pete and Rocky spaniel in the pen. Everyone else got to be out guarding the place. It was still here when I got home so I guess they did their usual good job.

They said it was dinnertime so I opened the first crate door and said Rocky, meaning Rocky lab. But Pete went in so I shut the door. Rocky spaniel put himself in the pen so I shut that too. My dogs were bouncing with eagerness for Rocky lab to go into the other crate, but he's never used that one before and it was pretty scary.

Before long he decided to go in so I could lock that one and take my two dogs into the other room for their dogfood. Then back to feed all the other dogs. It's been a while since I've had so many dogs here at once and I had to remember how to deal with it. We managed. The trick is to start with everyone locked in so I can figure out what to give them without any fighting or urgency.

Now they are all finished and it will be playtime for a while, then naptime. Dogs are so predictable.

Tomorrow will be another busy day, with me and my two dogs going to the barn in the morning, then Rocky lab's people coming to pick him up at noon, then the spaniels will get to stay home alone while I go visiting my parents.

Tuesday -- 8:58 PM 4/3/2007

Today went pretty much as planned. Rocky the lab went home early this afternoon so the confusion is gone. By the time he went home they were all good friends.

As usual they feel right at home here. The house rules are different but they remember where they are and behave properly.

Wednesday -- 8:27 PM 4/4/2007

Boring. Very boring. Everybody's healthy and happy.

Thursday --9:34 PM 4/5/2007

Still boring. I left them locked in the pen a couple of hours this morning when I took my dogs to the barn and they were still here when we returned.

No particular plans for tomorrow, but we'll think of something to do, I'm sure.

Friday -- 7:27 PM 4/6/2007

Rocky dragged the blanket out of one of the crates and proceeded to tear it into little strips. That looked like so much fun the other dogs all piled on and had a 4-way tug of war.

Later I turned on the sprinkler and they chased each other through the water and the dust and in and out of the house. A good time was had by all.

Saturday -- 9:40 PM 4/7/2007

We didn't go anywhere or do anything interesting. Starlight and Rocky chased each other around the trees, but that's normal. Lots of napping going on, and that's normal too. Happy friendly nice dogs all over the place.

Easter Sunday -- 7:16 PM 4/8/2007

It's been an overcast day, fairly cool. The dogs started out with their usual run and chase. In the afternoon I locked the visiting dogs in the pen and took my own dogs to the park for Starlight's dog agility class.

After class Mike and his dog Max came for a visit and I left Pete and Rocky in the pen since Max sometimes plays so rough. Max and Starlight chased each other around and the other dogs just watched.

After dinner the dogs settled down for their naps, and they're finally beginning to move around a bit in anticipation of bedtime.

This is supposed to be their last night here, and then we'll have a day with no visiting dogs until the next ones arrive.

Monday -- 4:30 PM 4/9/2007

Fortunately these dogs are all easy and nice. So when I woke up with a cold they didn't ask much of me.

We looked out the window and saw a crane on the other side of the fence. They didn't think that was very nice so they went out and barked, The labs barked, mostly, and Pete and Rocky watched and ran around. They didn't understand why I wasn't interested.

Every now and then we'd hear jackhammer sounds and voices, but I didn't have the energy or enthusiasm to investigate. The dogs took care of things for me.

I went in the bathroom and inhaled steam for a while, and had a nice soak. Nobody phoned or came to the door. That was nice.

When their mom finally phoned to say they were coming for their dogs she thought she had dialed wrong. Nope, just a crazy voice from my cold.

Now Pete and Rocky are gone home and my dogs and I will have a day and a half to ourselves, then Jasper and Anna will come for a visit.

Wednesday -- 6:33 PM 1/24/2007

What a day it's been!

I woke up in Las vegas, my convention was over and I had a few hours to play until I had to catch my plane home.

So I got together with a friend and we played with a penny slot machine for a couple of hours, then had breakfast and went to the bus station a block from our hotel. I got on the bus to the airport and he got on the one to the strip to go see another friend.

I took the plane to LA, then took another bus home. got home before 5, but not much before.

I called Mike to let him know I was coming for my dogs, and he had them and their things all ready for me so I could grab them and run. Still a little bit of daylight left for picking up Pete and Rocky. Not much.

I didn't have their actual address, but I knew where they lived. Never been there after dark, though. Things look different at night. I parked in front of the wrong house, prowled around, and decided to get out before they caught me. Parked in the driveway of another wrong house but nobody seemed to notice. Finally I found the house, and guess what. There were Petey and Rocky wondering what I was doing there at the gate, and going into the house to greet me. And coming back out to see what was taking me so long.

I found their black bag of stuff in the dark and got out their leashes and took them through the gate and out to the car. Oh look, 4 dogs don't fit well in my little car. One had to be in the front seat, they assured me. I told Starlight she couldn't come in front, and then Rocky insisted he couldn't stay back there with all those dogs. So I gave in and let him stay in front. He rode like a gentleman.

At home they all ran and played for a while, and Beau and Starlight insisted they hadn't been fed the whole time they stayed with Mike. So I gave them half a dinner even though I had asked Mike and been assured they'd had their dinner already. And Pete ate his but Rocky wanted to go outside and play. So his is waiting for him to come in and ask for it. I'm sure he'll get hungry soon.

I still haven't cleaned up all the leftovers from my trip to India that I got home from last week, and now I have things from this trip all over the house too. Gonna have to keep some doors closed for a while until I get things put away. I can do that.

Thursday -- 5:22 PM 1/25/2007

It's nice that all four dogs here are so self sufficient. It takes me much longer than it should to get over travelling, so I'm not much use to my doggy visitors. I'm able to feed them and pet them when they ask me to, but they have to entertain themselves.

I went out this morning with my dogs and we went to the barn and found some horses to ride. Left the spaniels in the pen because I have so much stuff strewn around that I don't want them to get into while I'm not watching. Maybe I'll get around to unpacking and doing laundry and other useful things tomorrow. Or the next day for sure.

Saturday -- 7:55 AM 1/27/2007

Not much happening these days. Everything's fine and peaceful.

This morning when my alarm went off my two dogs leaped and rejoiced as usual, and so did Pete,as usual. Rocky was nowhere to be seen. He was outside exploring. So Pete went into his crate with a treat while I fed my dogs, and by the time Rocky wandered back in breakfast was done and all the other dogs were loose again. So I guess I owe him a treat. Or not. I used to think it would be a problem to feed my dogs twice a day and just feed the spaniels once a day. I was wrong.

They almost always get a treat when they go into their crate or the pen. That makes it so very easy to get them to go in. I just stand quietly by the door and they rush in as soon as they notice me.

5:44 PM 1/27/2007

These dogs know when it's dinertime. When it begins to get dark. So when it clouded over and began sprinkling a bit after noon they were positive it was dinnertime. And I wasn't smart enough to realize it.

I managed to hold out until about 3:45. I was so proud of myself. They forgave me for being so slow.

Now that it's really getting dark I exected them to remind me again, but they haven't. Not yet at least.

Beau is usually pretty selfish about "his" green couch. Nobody naps there but Beau. This week he's welcoming Rocky to join him. They look so cute sleeping there together, one or both on their backs. So far I haven't managed to get a picture of them.

Sunday- 8:04 PM 1/28/2007

They went home a few hours ago, tired but happy.

Tuesday -- 10:32 AM 11/21/2006

The boys are here again. Their family's going away for Thanksgiving.

When they got here they ran and romped and greeted my dogs and romped and ran and totally ignored me. My dogs have gone back to their naps and Pete and Rocky are still running and exploring.

Finally Pete came to me and said hello. Hi Petey.

5:39 PM 11/21/2006

Not much to report. They came in and greeted my dogs, ran and played for awhile, then they all settled down for a nap.

After dinner they played a bit more, then back to the business of napping.

Things have really changed since these dogs first started staying with us. Beau and Petey had a slightly tense relationship at first, but now they love each other. Starlight and Pete were still puppies, or very young adults, and their style of play has matured. They could run and chase each other for what seemed like hours. Not anymore. And Rocky was polite but standoffish to me. Now he likes me. And I like him, too.

Wednesday -- 10:55 AM 11/22/2006

It's quiet around here. Starlight and I went for a walk this morning and all the boy dogs had to stay home and take care of the place. They did a good job. Except for a trip to the grocery store later I don't have any plans for the day. Beau and I will probably go for a walk this afternoon.

Tomorrow I'll be going out to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family and most or all of the dogs can stay home. They won't mind. I hope they don't bother the neighbors.

Thanksgiving Thursday - 7:42 AM 11/23/2006

The dogs are extra busy this morning. The moment my alarm rang they started running and just took a quick break to eat their breakfast and cookies.

They kept bringing me toys to throw for them, and Petey and Beau were wrestling so hard with one I think Pete forgot they were playing and started seriously growling at Beau. Then he remembered he wasn't supposed to and stopped.

Now it's all over and all the dogs but Pete are asleep. He can't find anyone to play with.

7:22 PM 11/23/2006

My dogs and I were gone about 5 hours and Rocky and Pete were good watchdogs while we were away. At least they were still here, and all was well, and there weren't any notes from the neighbors, so I assume they were good.

They've all had their dinner, so it's time to relax for a while until it gets to be bedtime.

Friday -- 7:08 AM 11/24/2006

Another quiet night. This is supposed to be their last day here.

4:19 PM 11/24/2006

They just went home.

I had a bit of a scare and learned a lesson. A friend had come by and when she left I assumed she'd latched my outer gate but I didn't actually look to see. So when I opened the front door Petey was able to shove his way past and go outside. And Rocky was right behind him. Just in time to see their parents come around the corner.

From now on I won't assume anything, and I won't let any dogs past the first gate until I see that the second one's really latched. It's a good lesson when nothing bad actually happens.

An earlier visit:

Friday -- 3:15 PM 10/27/2006

Oh happy day!

Rocky and Pete are here for the weekend. Beau and Starlight are delighted. Those nice spaniels even brought their kong on a rope toy. What could be better?

Their mom parked in front and let them out. They dashed in the front door and past my dogs and out the back door. By the time their mom got to the door they were out of sight.

After they all played for a while my dogs are asleep in the living room and the spaniels are outside exploring. Every now and them Petey comes in and gives Beau a good snuffling.

Saturday -- 5:43 PM 10/28/2006

We've had a quiet happy day. I've been home all day except for a quick trip to the grocery store, and nothing exciting has happened at all. Unless you consider a visit from Alice exciting. The dogs didn't.

They finished their dinners a while ago and I'm thinking about bringing out the rawhide chews Pete and Rocky brought. That would be a nice way to spend the evening. Yes, I think I'll get them out.

Sunday -- 7:31 PM 10/29/2006

They went home a couple of hours ago. We're expecting them back for Thanksgiving week.

An earlier visit:

Saturday -- 5:19 PM 9/16/2006

They're back! For about a week this time. They were delighted to see their old pals Beau and Starlight as well as Quarterdeck the yellow lab they've met before but don't know very well and Roxy the other yellow lab who I think they've met briefly.

They've been running and playing and having a happy time. Pete and Beau still love each other.

We're expecting Roxy to go home in the next few hours, and things will quiet down a bit then.

Sunday -- 7:42 AM 9/17/2006

They ran and played and frolicked until bedtime. After a quiet night we all got up at 7 and had our breakfast and meds and treats.

Pete instigated a group "roll and snuffle" of Beau this morning. They all enjoyed that, especially Beau.

I'm looking forward to a fun week with a housefull of nice dogs that all like each other. Quarterdeck hasn't completely integrated into the gang yet, but it's coming fast. He still has to learn what to expect.

5:49 PM 9/17/2006

It's been a quiet pleasant day. In between naps and meals there's been lots of wrestling and tug-of-warring.

After dinner we all went out in the yard where it was cool. They wandered around and explored. Petey and Quarterdeck dug holes side by side but the dirt from one was going into the other so neither made much progress. So they decided to cooperate in one better hole.

Petey worked on the depth and Q.D. kept making it wider and undoing Petey's work. Eventually it got big enough that they had to call in Starlight to help. Her specialty is pulling out roots. Once she had the root taken care of they made it just a bit bigger and it undermined the lawn chair which fell into the hole. They decided it was good enough then so they had a 4-way tug of war with Pete's kong on a rope.

As I'm writing this there are four dogs running circles around the livingroom/diningroom/kitchen. All of them are chasing all the others. There, it just wound down. Rocky and I were watching and everyone else was running.

Betcha we'll all sleep well tonight.

Monday -- 8:01 AM 9/18/2006

We all slept well. Pete spent most of the night snuggled with me. Rocky sleeps on the floor beside me. There were 3 dogs on my bed most of the night, 4 dogs part of the time.

After breakfast this morning I got out the rawhides that Pete and Rocky brought. Pete and Beau and Quarterdeck are on the living room floor working on theirs. Starlight is on the couch beside me. I make her do that with good dog treats because that makes her feel secure enough to eat them. Otherwise she takes them outside and buries them, then guards them the rest of the day, digging them up occasionally to make sure they are still there.

Rocky took his into the hallway and I don't know where he is. Probably in the bedroom. He came out once to check on us, then vanished again.

Wednesday -- 6:44 PM 9/20/2006

Everything's going just fine. All the dogs are happy and getting along well. What more can I say?

Friday -- 7:41 PM 9/22/2006

Things are still going well.

The other day I was heading out with my own dogs, leaving all the visitor dogs home. Rocky couldn't wait long enough for us to get out of sight before he hopped over the little gate to my office and looked out the front window. If he'd waited a bit I might never have known. Or maybe he would have gotten into the dogfood that was in reach, and I'd have figured it out.

So I made him jump back the way he came, and I shut the door so he couldn't do that again. Bad boy Rocky!

I guess they'll be going home tomorrow. It's been a good visit.

Saturday -- 7:28 PM 9/23/2006

They've gone home now, tired but happy.

An earlier visit:

Friday -- 12:05 PM 7/21/2006

They arrived early this morning and came in like they owned the place. Jasper and Anna were already here, so all the dogs except Anna went out to run and play.

Petey and Beau are so cute together, with Beau lying there pretending to ignore Pete as Pete snuffles in his ear or his cheek. Beau's eyes are watching him, and his tail is twitching, though. He won't admit it most of the time, but he really likes Pete a lot.

Jasper was in a bad mood this morning and started growling at Rocky, so Jasper's having himself a time out. Everyone else is nice and friendly and happy.

4:07 PM 7/21/2006

Except for being much too warm everything's fine here. Jasper's over his bad mood. They'll soon start reminding me it's dinnertime, I'm sure.

Saturday -- 4:14 PM 7/22/2006

I went out today and bought a couple of nice big fans and set them up in the living room. All six dogs and I have arranged ourselves to get the benefit of the breezes.

They haven't said anything about dinner yet. I guess they figure dinner comes later, when it starts getting cool.

Sunday -- 8:38 PM 7/23/2006

It was hot today, and not much happened. Jasper and Anna got picked up in the early afternoon and Pete and Rocky went home in the evening. Now it's just me and my own dogs for a few days.

An earlier visit:

Friday -- 6:54 PM 7/7/2006

Their mom brought them this morning, and I stayed with them for a few hours, then I left all four dogs in charge and went visiting.

I got home several hours later and found everything as I had left it. Good dogs. I haven't heard anything from the neighbors, so I suppose they didn't do anything I should know about.

They all ate up their dogfood and ran and played. They kept a respectful distance when I gave Beau his ear meds. They didn't want to risk being included in the fun.

Now that it's cool out they are getting active and wearing themselves out. That's good. It will allow me to get a quiet night's sleep. We have to get up early in the morning to greet another visiting dog. Roxy is Petey's favorite dog friend so he'll be happy to see her.

Saturday -- 9:22 AM 7/8/2006

We got up early this morning, had our breakfast and cookies, and before too long Roxy joined us.

She's a friendly, very active yellow labrador retriever, and she keeps things busy most of the time. They all played with balls for a while, then I opened the side door of the van and they had fun getting in and out, pretending they were going somewhere, taking turns sitting in the driver's seat. It really doesn't take much to make dogs happy. And I think the straw hat I left in the van is still intact.

Sunday -- 10:36 AM 7/9/2006

Not much happening. Roxy spent yesterday with us and now the four dogs are happily lying around.

This morning while it was cool they did their usual running and romping. Pete and Starlight and Beau did a three-way tug of war with Petey's kong on a rope, with all three of them growling and sounding like a beehive. Rocky came to me and barked and howled. I don't know if he wanted me to stop them, or what, but eventually they all wound down and got quiet.

6:12 PM 7/9/2006

This afternoon Beau decided dinnertime was about 2:30. I think he's so cute when he reminds me about dinner that I've been encouraging it a bit. He marches over to the crate in the corner and stands in it looking out at me. And as soon as I look like I might be responding he rushes out and hops and leaps with joy.

But he isn't cute enough to get his dinner at 2:30. I prefer to feed them after 5, but sometimes I let him talk me into 4:30.

Anyhow, it was about 2:30 and Beau was rushing and leaping and cavorting, so naturally all the others were too. I was trying to walk through the room but it was difficult. So I said, "Beau, sit." Sudden wonderful silence. I left the room, and when I returned 2 or 3 minutes later, all four dogs were lying side by side by side by side, waiting for me to return.

What good doggies. It wasn't dinnertime, but it was certainly cookie time. After they had their cookies they were ready to do some outside romping, and then I took Beau and Starlight with me for a quick trip to the gas station. By the time we returned they had all forgotten about dinner. When it actually was dinnertime they kinda thought they had already been fed, but they were good sports and ate what I gave them.

Monday -- 3:25 PM 7/10/2006

They just went home. Beau and Starlight are wondering where all the quiet came from. Not to worry, Bambi and Nickie will be arriving in a couple of hours for a 1 week stay.

And Pete and Rocky will be back in a couple of weeks.

An earlier visit:

Wednesday -- 1:09 PM 6/21/2006

They're here again. Their mom called this morning and brought them over. It seems they had figured out they were coming today and wanted to come right away. They talked her into bringing them about 8 hours early. It's nice that they think coming here is a treat.

We have two other visiting dogs, both friendly yellow labs, and everyone's having a good time running and playing.

We expect to have a houseful of dogs here the whole week they are here, then they'll all go home and leave it really quiet. Unless someone else decides to visit.

I noticed Pete's collar was pretty tight so I loosened it a notch. Now it's a little loose. I'll let them worry about it when they get home. It should probably have a hole punched between the too loose one and the too tight one.

Thursday -- 5:30 PM 6/22/2006

Pete and Rocky brought a bunch of large rawhide bones for sharing and I took them all out after dinner.

Beau found a nice one and took it into the corner to work on it where nobody'd bother him.

Kramer carried one around for a minute then set it down to go check the empty dinner dishes. He even found some leftover dinner in one. Then he went back to get his bone which he took into his favorite crate where he could work on it.

Bosley set out to corner the market. I was surprised to see him manage to carry two in his mouth at the same time. It was hard but he got them both to where he had one other. He was disappointed when I took two of them away to give them to Pete and Starlight. But once he didn't have to guard them he could work on the one he kept.

Pete and Starlight went outside with theirs, then came in without them. I think they may have buried them.

Rocky was carrying one around a minute ago but he doesn't have it now. Dunno what happened to it.

It's nice and peaceful now, with all of them busy working on their chewing, or sitting quietly and watching.

I've been keeping Rocky away from Kramer much of the time. He's so interested in Kramer he can't seem to leave him alone. He's always sniffing or bumping or humping. Sometimes Kramer wants to play with him but most of the time he'd rather be left alone.

Rocky has lots of other dogs to play with, so he's fine without Kramer.

Friday -- 8:57 PM 6/23/2006

Kramer went home this morning so it was a bit quieter here the rest of the day. Not much quieter, though.

Pete and Starlight and Bosley had a rough game this afternoon that had me and Beau concerned that they might not be playing. But nobody got hurt and nobody got mad, so I guess they were really playing.

We're expecting Roxy to join us tomorrow morning.

Saturday -- 5:40 PM 6/24/2006

Roxy's here and everyone's getting along fine. They run and play and romp.

Monday -- 7:51 AM 6/26/2006

When nothing interesting happens it's hard to write my daily report. Everything was quiet and fine yesterday. And I forgot to write.

The difference between labrador retrievers and brittany spaniels: It was early evening yesterday and all the labs were in the living room with me, resting quietly. I wondered where the spaniels were, as I hadn't seen them in a while. I assumed they were lying around outside. Suddenly there was a loud BANG outside. Sounded like a gunshot but I'm sure it was a firework. It's getting close to the 4th of July.

All the labs in the house jumped up and headed for the dogdoor so they could go out and see what was up. Before they got to the door the spaniels came in through it. They needed to come in where it was safe. The labs just barked outside for a moment and came back in.

Now I'm wondering what would have happened if the labs had been outside and the spaniels had been inside. I'll probably never know.

6:48 PM 6/26/2006

Bosley went home this afternoon. Everyone's celebrating by having a nice nap.

There are moments of mad dashing and growling and tussling, but most of the time napping is best.

I'm expecting the brittanys' people to pick them up tomorrow evening, but it's possible they'll be delayed until the next day. That would be fine. These dogs spend so much time here it's as if they lived here. We're all very comfortable together.

Tuesday early afternoon they went home. It sure is quiet around here.

An earlier visit:

Wednesday -- 4:51 PM 5/3/2006

The Brittany Spaniels are back.

They joined my two black labrador retrievers and the two visiting chocolate labs, and within minutes they were all playing like long-time friends. I think they met the chocolate labs once or twice before.

After they'd just been here a few minutes I noticed how quiet it was. They were all around the west side of the house, not making a sound. I wonder what they were plotting. When it comes to this gang of dogs I won't be surprised at anything.

The chocolate labs will be going home for the night, then back again in the morning.

Thursday -- 11:23 AM 5/4/2006

Pete ate his dinner but Rocky wasn't very hungry. OK, he can stand to miss a meal. We got up bright and early and greeted Toby and Brody the chocolate labs. After 15 minutes of play I locked up all the visitors and took my own dogs to the barn.

During the two hours they were alone the labs destroyed their plastic water bowl and a plastic bag hanging on the outside of their pen. Pete and Rocky were good boys.

Starlight had found something disgusting to roll in at the barn, and a mudhole to lie in, so when we got home I put her in the shower and cleaned her off. Pete and Rocky and the labs all watched and tried to help. When she came out they all wanted to go in but I didn't let them. I towelled her off and now they are all playing and having a good time.

5:58 PM 5/4/2006

It's been a very active day for all the dogs. For the past two hours or so I've been throwing the big kong toy for whoever brought it to me. Usually that was Toby and Brody, but all the others except Rocky joined in occasionally.

By about 5:30 several of the dogs tried to tell me they were ready for their dinner. They'd go into a crate and look out at me wistfully, or try to sit on my lap, then give me those sad starving looks.

I had wanted to wait until after 6:30 or 7 when the day dogs would be gone, but they weren't able to wait. So I gave them all their dinner, and gave the day dogs a couple of cookies so they wouldn't feel too bad.

Rocky didn't finish his dinner. He had a cookie, though. I'll give him another chance at his dinner after the day dogs go home.

Friday -- 8:33 AM 5/5/2006

I keep forgetting why I have a limit of 6 dogs. Then I get to six and I remember again. Six dogs is a lot. Even when they are all nice ones like these.

Toby and Brody spent the night here. Their mom called and asked if they could, since she was working very late last night and had another hard day scheduled for today. Sure, no problem. They spent the night in the pen where they couldn't get into any trouble.

They are all getting along well together. Once in a while the growling gets loud but when I check it always seems to be play growling. Pete and Brody sometimes play so rough and loud I get worried, but nobody ever gets hurt and they both seem to be having a good time.

5:28 PM 5/5/2006

They all waited at home in pens and crates for a few hours today while my dogs and I went out to lunch. Now we're waiting for the big adventure of watching the yard guys through the window. Usually they come a little earlier than this, I think. On alternate Fridays I pick up all the dog toys and keep an eye out for them so I can unlock the gate and bring all the dogs in.

8:04 PM 5/5/2006

Now that it's dark I figured out why the gardeners didn't come. Last Monday was national "day without immigrants" day. So they didn't work Monday and they were a day behind all week. That means they'll come tomorrow. Last time they came on a Saturday instead of Friday they came while I was having an open house/dog adoption event. The yard was full of dogs and dog crates and people. They turned around and went away, only to come back in a day or two. This time it will be fine to come tomorrow.

After the day dogs went home and my two and Pete and Rocky all finished their dinner and their milk bone desserts I brought out the rawhide bones. Pete and Rocky brought 4 huge ones. When I put them out Beau decided his share was more than one. He was able to get the two smallest ones in his mouth at a time and he took them to his corner. He had to put one down so he could chew on the other, so I snatched it.

Starlight took hers and carried it around for a while. She really wanted to bury it but Pete was following her around and watching. Eventually I called her in and made her lie with me on the couch, so she started chewing on it. Rocky picked up one of the biggest ones and carried it behind the garage, looking really pleased with himself. He came back without it in less than a minute. I don't think he had time to bury it, and he didn't have that telltale dirt on his muzzle that he'd have if he'd pushed dirt around.

The one Starlight had separated into two so there was one for Rocky. He took that one out and chewed on it for a minute, then he came in without it. Now it's been very quiet in here for the past 15 minutes as all of them work on their chewing. It doesn't take much to keep dogs happy.

Saturday -- 8:59 AM 5/6/2006

We had a good night's sleep, then breakfast for my guys and a cookie for everyone.

Rocky went out behind the garage and came back in with that big rawhide chunk that he put there yesterday. He carried it around proudly, daring anyone to try to take it from him. He tried to bark and howl with it still in his mouth but that wasn't too impressive. He made "lets play" bows and gestures but nobody wanted to play. They all just wanted the rawhide. I'm not sure how it happened, but at the moment Beau is happily chewing on the rawhide and Rocky and the others are having a nap.

We don't have anything interesting scheduled for today. The gardeners will probably come, and the day dogs may come. I might take a trip to the grocery store. We'll see. Boring is good.

6:21 PM 5/6/2006

Happy day. The gardeners finally showed up and the dogs barked at them. Then I set up the sprinkler and the youngsters got to get good and wet and even muddy. I was sitting on the couch with my laptop on my lap, writing an email, when Petey came in, covered with mud. He landed on the couch beside me and shook. Mud everywhere. I got a wet towel and it all came off nicely.

It does smell a bit like wet dogs, but that's OK. Petey has a bit of a sweet smell, like he's been to the groomer's and had a bath recently. He'll need another.

The day dogs didn't come today, and they probably won't come tomorrow.

Sunday -- 5:32 PM 5/7/2006

Not much happened today. I left Rocky and Pete home for a couple of hours while I took my dogs to Starlight's agility class. After class Mike and Max visited for a while so they stayed in the pen. They would have liked to play with Max but since Pete sometimes plays rough, and Max sometimes takes offence, it seemed like a good idea not to mix them.

Rocky didn't eat his dinner today. Sometimes he does, sometimes he doesn't. I'll give him another chance at it, in case he changes his mind. Of course he's had his share of treats, so he'll do just fine without dinner.

I looked on the internet and I found out that the boat their people are on has two webcams, so I've been watching them. I haven't actually seen them, but at least I've seen the boat. And all the water around it. It should get interesting when they stop at some port. I know there's internet access available on board, so maybe they are able to keep up with our news.

It's been a very quiet weekend, with the day dogs not here. We expect them to return early Monday morning.

Monday -- 8:29 AM 5/8/2006

We had a nice night, got up for breakfast and cookies, and the dogs are romping and napping. They had a good time with Beau holding the kong on a rope and everyone else trying to take it from him. There was lots of growling but it was all in fun. Rocky played for a moment then he came to me to howl. I guess he doesn't think they should have that much fun.

Beau's allergies have been bothering him terribly the past couple of days so after we get the day dogs in and settled I'll be taking him to the vet for his first shot of the season. He'll have one every three or four weeks until late fall.

Tuesday -- 7:50 AM 5/9/2006

We had a good day yesterday, and we're planning another one today. Since today is Tuesday they'll have to entertain themselves much of the day.

The chocolate labs will be arriving for the day soon, then I'll take my black labs to the barn for a couple of hours of fun and frolic. Then we'll all go home for several hours, then I'm out again, probably with my dogs in tow, to go visiting. Then back in a couple hours and home for the day.

8:34 PM 5/9/2006

The day dogs have gone home, we've had our dinner, and we're relaxing in front of the TV. All is well.

Wednesday -- 10:28 AM 5/10/2006

After a good night's sleep we're up and at'em again. The day dogs are here and there's been a lot of running and playing and pretend growling.

I noticed recently that I haven't been walking my own dogs much. It used to be a regular thing but with all the visiting dogs it somehow became too much trouble. We're changing that.

This morning after the day dogs had a chance to run and play and settle in I locked up everyone but Starlight (with a cookie) and took Starlight for a nice walk. We practiced heel and stop and sit and turn.

In the afternoon I'll be walking Beau to the vet for yet another ear inspection and allergy discussion. Yes he had a shot a few days ago but he's still very itchy. And the allergy season is just beginning.

For the next 3 or 4 hours we'll just hang around and read and nap and watch TV. And play, of course. I just looked at the bridge cam from the ship Pete and Rocky's family is on. Nothing but ocean as far as the eye can see. I hope they're having a good time.

8:18 PM 5/10/2006

As I expected we had a fun day today. Beau and I walked to the vet, but the rest of the time we were home with nothing important to do. Beau got another shot and some new ear medicine. It seems to have helped. He hasn't been scratching.

The dogs have all had their dinner and the day dogs have gone home. It's time to start thinking about going to bed.

In the morning I'll be leaving all the visiting dogs home while Beau and Starlight and I head for the barn.

Thursday -- 10:51 AM 5/11/2006

We're back from our morning outing. It was so mizzley we decided to have breakfast at Bob's instead of riding. So my dogs waited patiently in the van.

While we were gone I left Pete and Rocky in crates, with chewys that they had brought. When I got home they still had them, and they were taking very good care of them. By the time I had let all the dogs run loose Starlight had the one Pete started with and one of the day dogs had Rocky's. So I got some more and handed them out so we wouldn't have any fights. Now everyone has one but Petey. He left his outside. There's the sound of munching and crunching throughout the house.

I tried to break them in half but they wouldn't break. So they are almost all gone now.

Friday -- 11:16 AM 5/12/2006

Yesterday was fine, as usual. Today plans to be fine too. Boring is always good.

The day dogs are here for possibly the last time. We'll have to wait and see. It all has to do with the sale of their mom's house. If she doesn't have to keep the house available for showing they can go back home. I understand she's in negotiations with a potential buyer.

I took Beau and Starlight for a short walk this morning, and we're planning on another one soon. It's cool and overcast so we should do it soon I guess. All the others get to go into pens and crates. They love that because of the treats involved.

5:51 PM 5/12/2006

They've had lots of fun today. Running and tussling and growling. They all like all the others. That's nice.

This morning I woke up around 3 or 4 and went out to the living room to see how Rocky was doing. He always sleeps in the same place, on the big couch. This time, instead of sleeping on his back, lengthwise, he was on his back, widthwise (is that a word?) His head was at the back, and his hind legs and tail, and an inch or two of his back was all hanging out over the edge.

Camera, camera, where's the camera?

It was on the end table beside him. So I quietly reached over him and picked it up. He didn't move. I took the camera into the hallway to get it ready. He still didn't move.

I turned on the camera but it wouldn't start. The memory chip was in the reader, next to him. So I went back and reached over him again and got the reader. He still didn't move. Hard to believe.

I took it all into the bedroom and put it all together, started it up, and went into the living room. He was sitting on the floor watching me. Oh well. Maybe I'll get another chance. Probably not.

Saturday -- 5:30 PM 5/13/2006

Another pleasant day is almost over. Except for the time I walked Starlight this morning we were all here all day. Petey and Starlight are having a good time bringing in sticks and playing keepaway with them.

They have taught the little dog next door to howl at the firetrucks that leave the firestation frequently. If it was just Rocky that howled I wouldn't mind. He has a sweet melodious howl. Petey, on the other hand, needs a few lessons.

Some of the holes in the yard are getting rather deep. I need to go to Home Depot and buy some more bags of ready mixed cement to fill them up. I've long since used up all the loose dirt in the yard. Some day, when I'm no longer taking care of visiting dogs, I'll have someone come in and completely level the yard and put in sprinklers and a lawn. Yeah, right, who am I trying to fool... Well, it could happen.

I've given everyone dinner, and I think I'll take both my dogs for a walk while there's still some light. It's very pleasant walking weather.

Tomorrow is Mothers day,so I'll be gone all morning, then I'll be home in the early afternoon just long enough to let all the dogs out for a few minutes, then I'll take Starlight and probably Beau to Starlight's agility class.

Sunday -- 7:49 PM 5/14/2006

I wanted to leave the dogs home for quite a few hours this morning, so I decided to close off the kitchen and the bedrooms and leave them loose. They were good.

When I came home I had a short time to relax before heading out to Starlight's class. Beau really really wanted to come along, but he has to wait in the van and there's no shade. And it was hot and sunny today. So I decided to let him run in the front yard and sidewalk and then leave him home.

He ran and ran and ran, then waited hopefully by the van. So I let him come along. I let him run again a few minutes at the park, then he had to wait in the van. I have screens for both front van windows so I could leave them open. He said that was good enough.

Petey and Rocky stayed home loose and were good. I locked them in the pen after class so Mike could let Max in for a while. They would probably get along just fine, but it's a risk I don't need to take.

Now it's getting dark and we've all finished our dinner. The dogs are resting up for bedtime.

We don't know yet if the day dogs will be joining us tomorrow. We'll find out eventually.

Monday -- 2:32 PM 5/15/2006

Another do-nothing day. We've been so bored we even watched a couple of soap operas on TV.

Starlight and I went for a quick walk this morning before the day dogs arrived, but since then we've all been resting.

Brody had a root canal a couple of days ago so he's not allowed to chew or play tug of war, or retrieve the tennis balls. So nobody else can either. They don't seem to mind. They did a little bit of run and chase, but they're enjoying their naps.

In another week or two all these dogs will have gone home, and I don't have any others scheduled for sure. I only have one "maybe" lined up. I may have to take a vacation or something.

7:30 PM 5/15/2006

The day dogs have gone home and we've had our dinner. Petey and Starlight came in with a nice big branch to disassemble a few minutes ago. They have so much fun together.

As soon as it gets dark I'll lock the dogs in and water the lawn. I'd rather water while I can see what I'm doing but the dogs are having so much fun running in and out I hate to make them stop.

Tuesday -- 7:37 PM 5/16/2006

The day dogs went home, everyone's had dinner, and all is well.

Petey found a piece of fabric under the couch that was once part of a dog toy. He really thinks it's wonderful. He's chewing it and hiding it from all the other dogs.

I guess we'll watch TV for a while, then go to bed. Tomorrow may be the last day we have the day dogs.

In a bit over a week Pete and Rocky's people will come for them and it will be very quiet and empty around here for a while.

Wednesday -- 12:12 PM 5/17/2006

Things are really quiet around here most of the time. Of course every time the phone rings the dogs start a noisy game, but the rest of the time they lie around or play quietly.

It's interesting how much a dog will sleep when there's nothing interesting going on, and how active they can be when there's something to do.

Something magical seems to be happening to my dogsitting customers. After silence from most of them for weeks or months, I've heard from three old ones and one new one in the past couple of days. I guess I won't have to take a vacation after all.

Our old friend Ernie the pug will be joining us for the weekend. I don't think he knows any of the other visiting dogs, but he gets along well with everyone. Beau really likes Ernie.

8:39 PM 5/17/2006

The day dogs, Brody and Toby, stay until it gets cool in the evening so they can have a good romp in the yard with all the others then go home tired and happy. Usually when they go home the others are all ready for their naps. They're napping now. When I go to bed they'll just move their naps into the bedroom. Rocky will probably stay in the living room. Sometimes Rocky goes into the bedroom for a nap in the daytime. He likes to be alone sometimes.

Thursday -- 7:44 PM 5/18/2006

We had more excitement than we needed today. Since Pete and Rocky have been so good I decided to trust them loose in the house when I went riding, instead of locking them up.

Unfortunately I forgot that they know how to work open my inner gate, so when I shut the inner gate and opened the front door for my dogs they bulled their way out too. They had a fun run down the sidewalk and aged poor Auntie Donna by about 15 years. Fortunately they stopped before they got into trouble. They even got Beau to run with them.

After I got them back into the house I put them in the crate and went riding. I'm going to be latching the inner gate from now on.

This evening we got a new dog for the weekend. He's a nice pug named Ernie. They all really like Ernie. They all want to be his best friend.

Friday -- 6:05 PM 5/19/2006

All seven dogs are getting along just fine. They've been running around in the yard and stirring up a lot of dust. Even though most of the yard is grass there's dust in the areas they prefer to run. Not too surprising, actually.

In a little while the day dogs will go home, and Petey's old co-conspirator Paris will be joining us for the weekend. Poor Pete has so many dogs to play with he just can't decide who to play with next. Starlight's feeling a bit left out because Petey likes some of the others at least as much as he likes her. She thinks he should like her best.

Of course, she's the one they always chase. Frequently she'll have four or five dogs chasing her, all running as fast as they can. Sometimes I think I should rescue her but she's enjoying it. When she wants to stop they always leave her alone.

Saturday -- 4:38 PM 5/20/2006

And then there were eight.

The day dogs decided to spend the night and stay through today. And Paris came right on schedule.

There was quite a bit of activity at first this morning, so I had them take turns staying in the pen for a while. By noon everyone had settled down and relaxed, so I left them all loose the rest of the day. The day dogs really will go home soon, now.

Tomorrow afternoon and evening two more will go home, so it will then be just my two and Pete and Rocky.

It's all quiet and peaceful, and they'll be having their dinner soon.

Sunday -- 9:43 AM 5/21/2006

Not much to report. Everyone's happy and healthy and getting along with everyone else. After a day of eight dogs, six is a quiet pleasure.

Monday -- 9:17 AM 5/22/2006

Poor Petey. All the rest of us are enjoying the peace and quiet with the weekend dogs gone home, and the day dogs not here. Petey and Rocky are the only visitors, and we've had a freak storm overnight. There's nobody for him to play with.

He keeps pestering Starlight and every now and then she'll romp with him for a while. But even though she's a lab, and she loves playing in the sprinkler, she doesn't like the rain. She'd rather lie on the couch and relax and chew on her stick.

Pete and Rocky are damp from going out in the rain, but Beau and Starlight are completely dry. I'm sure they've been outside for bathroom trips, but they come right back in. As I'm writing this I see both spaniels heading out the dog door. And both labs are fast asleep.

It's supposed to stop raining fairly soon, and then Starlight will probably be well rested and ready to play tag again.

I guess their people are finished with their cruise and beginning to head for home. Rocky and Pete will be so happy to see them, but I'm beginning to think of them as my other dogs, and I won't be happy to see them go.

9:36 AM 5/22/2006

I just looked out the window to see what Pete and Rocky were doing. I almost couldn't believe it. It was so charming. Their parents probably wouldn't think it's cute but I do.

Rocky was digging in the grass, and Petey was chasing the mud and dirt he was throwing. He jumped and leaped and grabbed.

Then they decided to come in. And I decided to put towels on the furniture. I got the couch covered before they sat on it.

Tuesday -- 11:38 AM 5/23/2006

I took my own dogs with me to the barn and they had a good time running with the horses. When we came back to the barn Starlight found a nice mud puddle to lie in and cool off. So she'll be getting hosed off in a few minutes.

The brittany spaniels are the only dogs visiting at the moment, and they waited patiently in the pen. In a few hours they'll get to wait in the pen again while my dogs and I go visiting. They think that's fine because they always get treats when they go into the pen.

I'm beginning to get used to the peace and quiet of having only four dogs here. In a couple days when Pete and Rocky go home I'll have almost total silence around here, at least for a week until the next visitors arrive. Or maybe others will come before then. I often have last-minute guests, and so far I rarely have to turn them away.

Wednesday -- 1:25 PM 5/24/2006

Lazy afternoon...

It's warm and dry, and nobody has a stick of energy. We went out in the yard to wander around a few times, and they had to bark at someone looking at the house for sale next door, but other than that we're just resting.

Resting is good.

I thought about raking the living room, and maybe even vacuuming it, but I decided to wait until these two dogs go home. Then there's a small chance it will stay vacuumed for a little while. The more dogs I have the sillier it seems to try to clean anything.

5:04 PM 5/24/2006

They went home. I fed my dogs right after they left, and it was so amazingly easy. and it's so amazingly quiet and empty around here. I suppose I'll get used to it. I'll probably actually enjoy the peace and quiet for the next few days.

OK. Now I have to clean up the mess, fill the holes, fertilize the trees, sleep late, and wait for the next visiting dogs to arrive.

I can do that.

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